Cajun Country

Folklife in the South Series

by Barry Jean Ancelet, Jay Edwards (Contributor), Glen Pitre (Contributor)

A sensitive, comprehensive study providing the broadest look at traditional Cajun culture ever assembled

This insightful book is by far the broadest examination of traditional Cajun culture ever assembled. It goes beyond the stereotypes and surface treatment given to Cajuns by the popular media and examines the great variety of cultural elements alive in Cajun culture today—cooking, music, storytelling, architecture, arts and crafts, and festivals, as well as traditional occupations such as fishing, hunting, and trapping. It not only gives fascinating descriptions of elements in Cajun life that have been woven into the fabric of American history and folklore; it also explains how they came to be. Cajun Country reveals the historical background of the Cajun people, who migrated to Louisiana as exiles from their Canadian homeland, and it shows their folklife as a living and ongoing legacy that enriches America.

Genres: Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another very informative text that I consulted during my research on Cajun music and dance culture.

[Alisha Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did a wonderful job of tastefully and thoroughly discussing Cajun and Creole culture. I was equal parts intrigued and surprised throughout the entire book.

The descriptions of architecture, music, religion, and so on were detailed and easy to understand.

Reading this book reveals the deep appreciation Ancelet has for Cajun and Creole culture. I recommend it completely if you are wanting to genuinely learn something about them.

[Carol Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear, concise, and helpful guidebook to the Cajun areas of Louisiana, their history, and their landmarks.